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The purpose of this book is to give the children who read it a living knowledge of Australia and the chief islands of the world, and especially those which have become colonies or dependencies of the United States. In a personally conducted tour through the eyes of teh author they travel over [these islands], seeing our brown-skinned cousins of the several colonies as they are at home. They learn about the resources of the various islands, and of their value to the United States. They visit the people on the farms and in the factories. They spend some time in the cities and villages, and they explore the wilds, observing the wonders of plant and animal creation. (from the Preface)

“Civilization sinks and swims, but the old facts remain—the sun smiles, knowing well its strength.” Edward Carpenter (1844-1929) wrote his prose poem, Towards Democracy, styled after Walt Whitman’s Leaves of Grass, in a summer burst of creativity. “Early in 1881, no doubt as the culmination and result of struggles and experiences that had been going on, I became conscious that a mass of material was forming within me, imperatively demanding expression . . .” An English intellectual, Carpenter was in rebellion against Victorian prudery. Railing against Industrialization’s dehumanization, he preached a return to a simple life in harmony with Nature. Towards Democracy reads like Beat poetry—wild flowing word associations, moments of insight so clear they hurt, interspersed with pure rant! Included is an essay Carpenter wrote in 1894 explaining his intent and feelings in writing Towards Democracy. - Summary by Sue Anderson

Hard to imagine now, but there have been times and places where just wearing sandals could get you labeled as being in rebellion against established society. Two such places were Berkeley, California in the early 1960s and Millthorpe, England in the 1880s. Millthorpe was home to Edward Carpenter (1844-1929), an English socialist poet, philosopher, and activist who abandoned his upper crust life and university sinecure to grow market vegetables and handcraft sandals for a living. Carpenter’s search for the well-lived life, his passions and concerns resonate uncannily with the mood of long ago Berkeley. In this frank memoir, Carpenter explores how he “escaped from the domination of Civilization in its two most fatal and much-detested forms, respectability and cheap intellectualism.” - Summary by Sue Anderson

The purpose of this book is to give to its readers a living knowledge of some of the wonders of the country and continent in which they live. Upon a personally conducted tour they are taken by the author through the most characteristic parts of the North American continent. They travel through the United States, British America, Mexico, and Central America, studying the most interesting features of life and work among the people of each country, learning how they are governed, and what they do in order to live. Much information is also given concerning the natural resources and the physical features of the countries visited. (From the preface)

In this book the children are taken by the author upon a personally conducted tour through the most characteristic parts of the South American continent. The book will, it is believed, aid in putting flesh and blood on the bones of the geographies, and will give a living interest to geographical study. (from the Preface)

The book tries to give its young readers a living knowledge of Europe. The author conducts tours through various parts of Europe giving a glimpse of the people and their lives and livelihoods. He includes as well information on the natural resources and physical geography of those many countries. Summary by BettyB and preface.

Fascinating book for all ages telling of travels through Africa over 100 years ago. Covering the continent by steamer and train and other more primitive means of transport, the reader will enjoy learning of African life long before knowledge of this continent was available to most people throughout the world. Summary by BettyB.<br><br><b>Note: </b>This text was published more than 100 years ago in 1905.The listener should be aware that the descriptions of the native peoples, their dress and home life reflected the perceptions and thinking of the early 20th century which some listeners may find offensive. <br><br>

Through travelogues, lifestyle descriptions and cultural notes the reader will visit China, Japan, India, Korea, parts of the Holy Land and Turkey as they were in the early 20th century. Summary by BettyB

Join a journey through the Holy Land and Syria as it existed in the early 20th century. Visiting and learning of Bethlehem, Jerusalem, Palestine and other fascinating and sacred spots of this truly historic region. Summary by BettyB.

Early twentieth century travel book about Alaska with stories of major cities, Indian tribes, customs and geography of what would become our 49th state. - Summary by BettyB.

11Intermediate Sex: A Study of Some Transitional Types of Men and Women

By Edward Carpenter

Written in 1908 by socialist critic and gay rights activist Edward Carpenter, The Intermediate Sex is a thoughtful, humanizing, and frequently utopian treatise on homosexuality that defies some of the period's more stultifying notions about human sexuality. In it, Carpenter argues for the legitimization of “uranianism,” recounts the history of homosexuality from antiquity to present day, highlights the great social and aesthetic work done by Uranians, and outlines some of the transformative social effects that might occur from a greater acceptance of homosexuality. (Summary by ChuckW)

An introduction to world geography for young and old alike. Topics such as China, Japan, the American Indian, Europe and the oceans on a beginning level. Summary by BettyB

A travelogue through the countries of France, Belgium, Holland, Denmark, Norway and Sweden for young and old alike. Interesting big cities and lesser known areas that provide a glimpse of Europe nearly 100 years ago. Summary by BettyB

Author's account of travels through Algeria, Tunisia, Tripoli and the Sahara Desert with stories about the people, climate, industry and culture. Summary by BettyB.

15One Hundred Proofs That the Earth Is Not a Globe

By William Carpenter

A bit of pseudo-science that will baffle, confuse, and amaze! Until the Space Age, there was little every-day, self-evident proof that the earth was a globe, and plenty of people believed in a flat Earth. (Even today, some are still of this opinion.) Here are 100 short arguments for a flat Earth. Some of them can be proven wrong fairly easily; others confound; and others are stated so confusingly that they MUST be true! - Summary by TriciaG<br><br> “‘One Hundred Proofs that the Earth is Not a Globe,’ by William Carpenter, is published by the author, whose novel and rather startling position is certainly fortified by a number of argumentative points, which, if they do not shake the reader’s preconceived notions on the subject, will, at least, be found entertaining for the style in which they are put.”—Evening Star, Philadelphia, July 22, 1886.

Travel stories of the land "Down Under" from 100 years ago. Native life and scenery and commerce of islands such as Tonga and Fiji as well as the bustling city of Sydney. Summary by BettyB

Another entry in Carpenter's geographical reader series with information on the peoples, cultures, and everyday life of this Asian area. - Summary by BettyB

Another entry in Carpenter's series of World Travels focusing on Canada and Newfoundland. (Summary by Betty B)

Journeying through many countries including Romania, Bulgaria, Turkey, Switzerland and Greece, the author gives an in-depth account of many aspects of the culture of the times and the people of the regions. (Summary by Betty B)

20Civilisation: Its Cause and Cure, and Other Essays

By Edward Carpenter

This publication, by English utopian socialist Edward Carpenter, describes civilisation as a sort of disease with which humanity is afflicted. Alongside this influential publication (originally published in 1889), are compiled other essays: Modern Science: A Criticism; The Science of the Future: A Forecast; Defence of Criminals: A Criticism of Morality; Exfoliation: Lamarck versus Darwin; Custom; A Rational and Humane Science; and The New Morality, plus Appendices (notes on various "Pre-Civilised peoples"). - Summary by Jake Malizia

21Love's Coming-of-Age: A Series of Papers on the Relations of the Sexes

By Edward Carpenter

"The little god of Love is generally represented as a child; and rightly, perhaps, considering the erratic character of his ways among the human race. There are signs, however, of a new order in the relations of the Sexes; and the following papers are, among other things, an attempt to indicate the inner laws which, rather than the outer, may guide Love when—some day—he shall have come to his full estate." - Summary by Edward Carpenter

"Days with Walt Whitman" is a contemplative summary of the life of Walt Whitman and the making of the poet, by one of his followers. Edward Carpenter collected a half dozen essays he had written about different aspects of the American poet's work and habits. The essays have an ecstatic but grounded style, elevating Whitman to immortality, and showcasing Carpenter's familiarity with ancient Sanskrit texts. - Summary by Czandra

This pamphlet by LGBT pioneer and philosopher Edward Carpenter was originally intended to form part of his work "Love's Coming of Age", but was removed following public discourse on the Oscar Wilde trials of 1895. It was subsequently published privately and circulated among his inner circle. This is Carpenter's first publication on the subject of homosexuality, and displays his typical forward-thinking and utopian sentiments. It seeks to make clear that homosexuality is innate, is more widespread than generally accepted, and even implies that degress of bisexuality may be universal. - Summary by Jake Malizia

Another fascinating in-depth look at the largest country in the world. Its cities, peoples, culture and industry. (Summary by Betty B)

25Pagan & Christian Creeds: Their Origin and Meaning

By Edward Carpenter

In this work from 1921, Carpenter analyzes the origin of Christian beliefs, arguing that they are derived from pre-Christian myths and religions, rather than being new revelations to the human race. He believes that “psychologically man has evolved from simple consciousness to self-consciousness, and is now in process of evolution towards another and more extended kind of consciousness,” anticipating a post-Christian era. In the penultimate chapter, “The Exodus of Christianity,” he sets out his belief that for Christianity “to hold the field of Religion in the Western World is neither probable nor desirable.” Chapters such as “Solar Myths and Christian Festivals,” “Rites of Expiation and Redemption,” and “The Saviour-God and the Virgin-Mother” analyze his tenet as seen in different contexts. - Summary by Verla Viera

Another in a long series by the author focusing on the British Isles and a few chapters on Germany, Poland and other countries of the Baltic region. Chapters include information on religion, their economies, citizens and industry in the early 1920's. (Summary by Betty B)

Another fascinating volume in the author’s quest to travel the world. This time we are taken to Japan and Korea for an in-depth look at their governments, peoples, agriculture, native customs and religion. (Summary by Betty B)

This memoir by painter Francis Bicknell Carpenter includes observations he made during his time at the White House from February-July 1864, while painting Abraham Lincoln's portrait. We see him in this book of Mr, Carpenter’s to that advantage which perfect unaffectedness and sincerity can never lose. During the time that Mr. Carpenter was making studies for his picture of the President signing the Emancipation Proclamation, he was in daily contact with him,—saw him in consultation with his Cabinet, at play with his children, receiving office-seekers of all kinds, granting many favors to poor and friendless people, snubbing Secession insolence, and bearing patiently much impertinence from every source,—jesting, laughing, lamenting. (summary adapted from The Atlantic, November 1866).

Another volume in the author's series of travelling the world and telling of its peoples, agriculture, industry, and social habits . This time we a(re visiting the continent of Africa with special interest on Uganda, Zanzibar, Tanganyika Territory, Mozambique, Rhodesia and the Union of South Africa. (Summary by Betty B)

The author ventures to the islands of the Caribbean for yet another volume in his travel series. This time we visit the countries of Panama, Cuba, Guatemala and many more. (Summary by Betty B)

Another volume in Carpenter's lengthy series of his travels around the world in the early 20th century. This volume covers specific countries of South America: Columbia, Ecuador, Peru and Bolivia. (Summary by Betty B)

In-depth study of the country of Mexico regarding the cities, rulers, religions, customs and culture. (Summary by Betty B)

Another chapter In Carpenter's continuing tour of the world, this time in Africa covering between Egypt and Kisumu (Kenya), with Interesting stories of the people, industries, geography and daily life. (Summary by Betty B)

A fascinating tour of the islands of the Philippines with a brief look at the future state of Hawaii. Studies of the economy, the people, the agriculture and the different cultural regions of the country. (Summary by Betty B)

Another installment in Carpenter's travels of the world. This time we visit Java, the East Indies, Sumatra, Borneo, The Moluccas, New Guinea, Celebes and the Malay Peninsula. (Summary by Betty)